100

Well tonight was one for the books, I had a terrible panic attack which at the time I interpreted as a heart a heart attack. This happened at an NA meeting and two very nice people one whom I knew well took me to the hospital where the hospital ran a bunch of tests and concluded my heart was fine. This happened on the night I recived my 90 day key tag. This has happened before to me but never when I was sober. I really thought I was going to the time that it wasn't anxiety. I was wrong. I also had two candy bars and a giant mountain dew this past afternoon so that probably is what caused it. Though haven't been feeling well for the last month. So im calling my doctor in the morning for a follow up as directed.
David

Dee74

Glad you are OK and calling the Dr David

D

silentrun

I'm glad you went in and got it checked out and you are ok. The same thing happened to me about a year in. It hasn't happened since.

RecklessEric

Panic attacks are the worst, David.
Glad you're ok.

100

Well I also found out I have a enlarged heart that showed up on x ray. They didn't tell me because it's not an emergency. I was so upset I called the hospital and flipped out on a person thier. The nurse their said it be okay and I'd probably from high blood pressure. Now I have to change my eating habits it going to be impossible. Food is how I've been dealing with everything since I got sober. How can I handle stress without ice cream or cake. No more cookies and milk. No more salty delites. I'm as addicted to food as I was booze. I can't stop. People suggested oa but another 12 step program I'm already going to aa and na. It's crazy food put me in this predicament along with me my substance use 92 days sober from those. Also I love soda and I'm a huge dr pepper addict which is a habit I picked when I quit drinking. I'm alway craving that first sip of cold and refreshing dr pepper that goes down so smooth. I want one right now because I'm upset. Sorry for the rant. I got sober Now i have health issues I didn't know I had. I'm obsessing pretty bad over my health and can't get it off my mind.
David

Patcha

Ugh. Been there a couple of times. I had a complete breakdown when I first got sober for any length of time, too. The sugar and caffeine hit definitely didn't help. I feel for you, friend. And well done on 90 days! Our nervous systems take time to recalibrate. I'm really glad you're ok and it was "just" a panic attack.

Patcha

Sugar is definitely one of the alcoholic's drugs of choice. There are clear links between alcohol addiction and sugar addiction. You don't have to fix it all at once. Take it one step at a time. Could you switch to diet Dr Pepper? I recommend watching the movie "That sugar film". Maybe removing hidden sugars and avoiding sugar-loaded foods you're not attached to could be a good start? I've removed 90% of processed foods from my diet over the last few months. I feel a lot better for it.

ScottFromWI

I've been to the hospital with panic attacks too David and they sure are an unpleasant experience. While you say it's impossible to change your eating habits, you did already quit drinking and that seemed impossible at one point too I'm sure. If you aren't doing so already, i'd highly recommend seeing a counselor to work through the anxiety issues - most MD's don't fully understand mental health issues and a professional that does can really help.

100

I'm seeing a therapist. It doesn't help. We have talked about my health anxiety but it doesn't help I still have it. The problem is I have several real health problems. I now have an enlarged heart as I said earlier. So my real health problems feed my obsessive anxious mind and then I start doing doctor google and I convinced myself based one me reading my online medical chart that I had cancer and heart disease as well. I haven't told people at aa I've been dealing medical problems.
I've been keeping it secret. its as if I'm ashamed of them. I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow for the heart issue that's probably being caused by high blood pressure. I'm going to ask to see a cardiologist tomorrow when I go and get a full workup such as echo cardio gram as well as a stress test . Im feeling pretty down about this to I just want to sleep to escape. David

dustyfox

Sleep is probably a good idea. I do hope you feel a little better tomorrow.

TheSoberNord

Panic attacks and recovery go together like peanut butter and jelly.
No mater how many times I've had them they still make make me think that this is it, it's the big one. Never went to the hospital over it but had my phone right in my hand with the ambulance district number pulled up and ready to call while I furiously googled every tiny thing I felt which of course doesn't help since everything tends to point to cancer or covid these days.
Recovery is all about baby steps, you're not going to wake up tomorrow and life is going to be all picture perfect with a new and improved you looking back at you in the mirror with tons of energy, healthy, and a nice chunk of change sitting in your bank account to show for it. It's lots of small changes in your daily life you make and accepting there will be some backsliding along the way. But as long as you keep putting in the effort and stay away from the drugs and drinking you will gradually see things start to get better.

Patcha

Therapy is a very long term solution, usually. It's not a quick fix. Or possibly they are not the right therapist for you? Can you shop around for a new one who specialises in people with chronic health issues maybe?